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THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE! - Nirvana - 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night?'

Thursday I'm in Love..a chance for me to share some of my favourite tunes.


Nirvana - 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night?' (1993)

It's only appropriate to do a Nirvana post for the 20th anniversary release of the groundbreaking Nevermind (where did that time go). There are plenty of memorable moments to choose from, turning the volume up to 11 for 'Teen Spirit' at house parties and their legendary rendition of that song on Top of the Pops but I've gone for my personal favourite so bear with me.

This is a haunting song taken from Nirvana's live and unplugged album, unaware that it was originally an old blues song by Leadbelly. Even though the blues legend sounds really gutted, Kurt Cobain's rendition feels more heartfelt. It starts off calmly, though you can start to hear him spitting into the mic before the song ends in an explosion of raw emotion. Brutal.

Dave.....was that you?
I was fortunate enough to experience this very scenario a long while back as my girlfriend at the time unexpectedly failed to turn up at a family BBQ. Pretty sure it wasn't anything to do with the promise of my mexican three bean salad, I suspected foul play. Instead of contemplating the impending demise of my relationship, I thought it a brilliant opportunity to use this song in context and play it too her. That'll make her feel guilty when she eventually comes back to explain, I thought. It didn't work as I never got the chance, essential part of ones musical education I say.

Oh go on then....here's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' live on Top of the Pops back in 1991, check out the charts!!! I also bet the TOTP producers were in a bit of a mild panic when Kurt and gang got going.


Gutted? Nevermind more Thursday tunes right here...
Or see more blinding performances here....
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Comments

Anonymous said…
'Where Did You Sleep...' is truly harrowing and I agree with you, for me, it surpasses the Leadbelly version.

'Teen Spirit' on TOTP: Cobain does the vocals an octave lower...excellent. At some points he sounds like Morrissey. Twent years since 'Nevermind'? Can't believe it. Yes, the charts were shite then as well.
22 September 2011 at 07:37
sfw said…
Amazing Song - although realising it was 20 years since the albums release is probably the most depressing thing...'cause it means I'm an 'old grumpy git', rather than being a 'grumpy git'
22 September 2011 at 08:34
Old Pa's Corner said…
Classic Huddie given the treatment...Love that TOTPs vocal aHHH!...20yrs ago I was 42 in my prime, 20 years later in decline, Nevermind!
22 September 2011 at 09:10
London Scouser said…
Great choice from the great Unplugged album. It was constantly in my CD player at the time. I think my fave track was The Man Who Sold The World but this was a great track too. I don't remember the TOTP performance but it was certainly interesting, as for the charts.... I was responsible for 2 of the others in there.
23 September 2011 at 10:38
flycasual said…
Indeed London Scouser a great album, 'All Apologies' being another firm favourites. As for the charts, they are dubious to say the least. I can't see you buying into the dance scene and hopefully not Diana Ross, so I'll put my neck out and go for East Side Beat and the Wonderstuff. Slim pickings and please don't speak to me again if it's 2 Unlimited.
23 September 2011 at 12:54
London Scouser said…
Apologies for the delay. I had problems signing in. You forgot the man on whom I model my hair. Mr Bolton with his curly mullet.... But no it was Messrs Jackson and Reeves that I purchased. Is there No Limit to your dislike to 90's Europop ?
25 September 2011 at 17:58
Shell Hunter said…
One of my favourite Nirvana songs too, but I now love the original. Fantastic example of raw emotion and pain. Very suited to that dark time.
11 October 2011 at 10:40
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